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Natural Sciences at Durham University - UCAS

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2024 - 2025
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Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

14Jun
Durham University - Undergraduate Pre-application Open Day
Undergraduate
15Jun
Durham University - Undergraduate Pre- application Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

The MSci in Natural Sciences is one of our most flexible science courses. This challenging and rewarding four-year degree is ideal if your interests span multiple areas including at least one science. It offers the opportunity to build on your existing interests, explore new subjects and add a research element to your studies. While following a similar structure to the BSc in the first three years, the MSci gives you the opportunity to study more advanced modules in the final year, to specialise in greater depth and to undertake a project. Studying across disciplines, you’ll build knowledge and skills that you can put to use in a wide range of industries, both in the sciences and across a wider range of professions. The MSci provides a natural springboard to a career in academia or research. MSci Joint Honours degrees The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations: Biology and Chemistry; Biology and Physics; Chemistry and Mathematics; Chemistry and Physics; Computer Science and Mathematics; Mathematics and Physics. This route allows you to study two preferred subjects in all four years of study (in the first year there may be the opportunity to take modules in a third subject). You will graduate with a MSci Honours degree in two named subjects. MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences allows you to self-build a degree from a range of subjects. At least one subject must be from Group A: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics where you specialise in at least one of the subjects in your final year. You may also select subjects from: Group B includes Biology, Psychology, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, Sport and Education. which may be taken in the first three years, but not Year 4. Both degrees routes offer the opportunity to transfer onto the ‘with Placement’ pathway after Year 2 or 3, extending your studies from four years to five. You can find more information about the subjects on offer on the Natural Sciences webpages.

Subject options

This course offers the following subject options:

  • Biology
  • Biology and Chemistry
  • Biology and Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry and Mathematics
  • Chemistry and Physics

Modules

Year 1 In Year 1 you can study a minimum of two subjects and no more than four, this provides a solid foundation for second year study. You can choose to specialise by taking up to four modules in one Group A subject (listed above). If you intend to specialise in a single science subject in your final year, such as Earth Sciences, you will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in: Biology and Chemistry, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one optional module. Mathematics and Physics, you must take six compulsory modules. Many MSci (Honours) Natural Sciences students choose two modules from each of three subjects although other combinations are possible. This combination would normally allow progression in any or all three subjects. Subject and module choices will depend on the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as an appropriate level of prior knowledge for progression into a Year 4 subject. Year 2 Striking a balance between breadth and depth you can study either two or three subjects in your second year. As in Year 1, you can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in: Mathematics and Physics, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one module from the Mathematics or Physics List to achieve an equal subject balance. Biology and Chemistry, you must take six core modules equally balanced between the two subjects. If you are following the MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences and specialising in a single science subject in the final year, you have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the timetable. Typically, you will: take three or four core modules build on one or two subjects studied in the first year have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module. Year 3 You can choose either two or three subjects. It is possible to specialise in greater depth by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A. You can also opt to take a second-year module during this year. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in: Chemistry and Physics, you must take the six core modules. Chemistry and Mathematics, you must take five core modules plus one module from the Mathematics list. The MSci in Natural Sciences offers continued freedom in Year 3. You will combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level. Year 4 The final year includes a research project designed to consolidate your learning. In addition you will take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but those available to current MSci Joint Honours students are: Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis. Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4. Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics list. Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4. Mathematics and Physics: Modules chosen from the Year 4 Mathematics and Physics lists. The MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences continues to offer freedom of choice in the final year. You will combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level and the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate. The final year typically involves: combining advanced modules in subjects already studied specialising in or combining: Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics (please note that Biology can only be studied in Year 4 as part of a Joint Honours degree).

Assessment method

All subjects are assessed by examinations, but there may be some element of continuous assessment in modules. Assessment is designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking and determine your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. In your final year, you will also complete a project which is assessed by a combination of report and presentations. You will be expected to think independently and take greater control of the direction of study.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
FGC0
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Our contextual offer for this programme is 2 A level grades lower (or equivalent). The exact grading is dependent upon subject choices as we are not able to reduce subject specific requirements, e.g. if Maths is chosen, you will still be required to meet A*A in Maths and Further Maths, but the 3rd subject will be reduced to C. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £30500 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £30500 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1

Additional fee information

There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Natural Sciences at Durham University - UCAS